You’re in a job interview. How can you prove that you’re the perfect candidate? It’s not enough to have a great resume and a confident attitude. You also need to showcase your skills, personality, and value in a way that convinces the interviewer that you’re the best fit for the role. Here are some tips on how to do that.
Before you go to the interview, do some homework on the company and the position. Find out what their mission, vision, values, and goals are, and how they align with yours. Learn about their products, services, customers, and competitors, and how you can contribute to their success. Use this information to tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested and knowledgeable about the company.
In a job interview, I can prove I'm the perfect candidate by showcasing my relevant skills and experiences, demonstrating enthusiasm for the role, and expressing a genuine interest in contributing positively to the company's goals. Additionally, I can provide specific examples of how my past achievements align with the requirements of the position.
Researching the company prior to your interview is the best way to be prepared and knowledgeable of the position you're interviewing for. The time invested shows great interest and your seriousness about the position you're interviewing for. This also helps you get insight into how a life working at that company would be.
Trata de encontrar algún vínculo de empatía con el entrevistador. En muchas ocasiones, una búsqueda exacta ("nombre y apellidos") de la persona que te va a entrevistar puede darte información sobre sus aficiones, intereses, publicaciones, etc. O incluso encontrar algún contacto (real) en común. Todos somos humanos, y establecer algún vínculo personal predispone positivamente a la persona que nos entrevista, ayuda a romper el hielo y facilita la comunicación durante la entrevista. Claramente, puede no ser algo definitivo pero sí puede ayudar a establecer un ambiente favorable.
You prove you're the perfect candidate by highlighting your relevant experience, skills, enthusiasm, and professionalism, backed up with concrete examples and insightful questions.
Sure, research the company, get enough sleep, show up early, remember to smile stay cool and professional, and all that (and you will get those tips online). But, above all, that employer wants to know if you are teachable and if you would be enjoyable to work with. after listening politely and attentively, it's time to let that personality out and sell it, baby! You have the power and the wit to turn that time into a good time. Why not? Be different! Stand out, be memorable! At the end of the day, you want to be the one on their mind as they drive home. Just pretend you know them, and relax! Remember kiddo, they can grill you, but they can't eat you, (that's against the law!)
One of the most common types of interview questions is the behavioral question, which asks you to describe a specific situation where you demonstrated a skill or quality that is relevant for the job. For example, how did you handle a difficult customer, solve a problem, or lead a team? To answer these questions effectively, use the STAR method: describe the Situation, the Task, the Action, and the Result. Prepare some stories in advance that highlight your achievements, challenges, and learnings, and use them to illustrate your points.
Here's how to prepare your stories for an interview: Use the 'CAR' Technique: 1. This stands for Context, Action, Result. Structure your stories to include these three parts. 2. Practice the 'Relevance Rule': Choose stories that are relevant to the job you're applying for. 3. Follow the 'Authenticity Approach': Be genuine in your storytelling. It will make your stories more compelling and memorable.
The interviewer is not only looking for your skills and qualifications, but also for your personality and fit. They want to know if you’re someone they can work with, trust, and enjoy. Show them your authentic self by being friendly, enthusiastic, and positive. Smile, make eye contact, and use a confident tone of voice. Avoid being arrogant, defensive, or negative. Express your passion, curiosity, and motivation for the role and the company. Show them that you’re a team player, a problem solver, and a learner.
Here's how to show your personality in a professional setting: Practice authentic communication: Be true to yourself when you speak. Your genuine personality will shine through. Share personal anecdote: Share relevant personal stories or experiences. This can make you more relatable. Discuss your passion: Talk about what truly excites you. Passion can be infectious and leave a lasting impression.
At the end of the interview, you’ll usually have the opportunity to ask some questions of your own. This is your chance to show that you’re engaged, curious, and proactive. Ask smart questions that demonstrate your interest in the role, the company, and the industry. For example, you can ask about the expectations, challenges, and opportunities for the position, the culture and values of the company, or the trends and developments in the market. Avoid asking questions that are too personal, obvious, or irrelevant.
In my experience I always recommend avoiding asking questions such as “what does a typical day in this role look like?” And encourage candidates to dive a layer deeper and ask questions that illustrate a general understanding of a role such as “how does your team measure success at 30,60 and 120 days into this position?” Or “I noticed on your website that your company really values providing a great culture, can you tell me more about some of the ways they do this?”
Asking questions during the interview is another way to show engagement and interest. Some sample questions to ask are... - What qualities make a great candidate for this position? - How would someone be trained in this role? - What are the biggest challenges facing the team right now and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
After the interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you note to the interviewer. This is a simple but effective way to show your appreciation, professionalism, and interest. Thank them for their time and attention, restate your enthusiasm and fit for the role, and highlight one or two key points that you discussed. Keep it brief, polite, and personalized. Send it within 24 hours of the interview, and follow up with a phone call or an email if you don’t hear back within a week.
Here's how to follow up after an interview and stand out: 1. Say thank you quickly: Send a thank you note within a day. It shows you're keen and polite. 2. Make it personal: Talk about something specific you chatted about. It shows you were really listening. 3. Add something valuable: Share a helpful article or fun fact related to your chat. It shows you're thoughtful and still interested in the role.